Which ship for 3 generations sailing together?

[barryn]

We are planning a Caribbean cruise in Jan 2010 that will include 86 yo grandparent as well as 18 and 20 yo daughters. All family members have cruised before.

Grandparents have said they prefer HAL/NCL; grandchildren want a ship with activities geared to their age group.

Any suggestions to keep everyone happy?

[Cuizer2]

We are planning a Caribbean cruise in Jan 2010 that will include 86 yo grandparent as well as 18 and 20 yo daughters. All family members have cruised before.

Grandparents have said they prefer HAL/NCL; grandchildren want a ship with activities geared to their age group.

Any suggestions to keep everyone happy?

 

The best compromise that I can think of, given what you said is Princess. Princess is a little more HAL like than Carnival, NCL or Royal Caribbean, while still offering more of the activities that the younger members are looking for.

[chapichapo]

Hi!

We're will also be 3 generations in our next cruise :)

We are taking the Norwegian Gem but mostly because of the itinerary.

[OnTheBrink]

I think I'd vote for Princess as well.

 

We just got off Royal Caribbean with three generations - ages 4 to 64. We had a GREAT time and there was truly something for everyone. But - if the grandparents want something a bit more reserved and sophisticated, Princess is probably a better bet.

[4spring9]

Just did the Carnival Freedom with three generations (my parents in their 80s), my husband & I (40s) & my two sons (9 & 11). We loved the Freedom. It is a newer ship (2007 I believe), it is large with lots of different areas of interest, & it had a great kid's program. I guess it depends on what everyone likes.

[wrp96]

If the Grandparents have said they like NCL in addition to HAL, then I would say go with NCL, especially their newer ships like Pearl, Gem, or Jewel.

[Julienatul]

You really cant go wrong by Carnival, Rccl, Princess and NCL. There will be something for everyone. Choose the newer ships on all the lines and a longer sailing. Shorter sailings (3-5 days) tends to attract a younger "party type" crowd that the grandparents may not enjoy. I have not tried HAL but my parents who are in their late 50's early 60's felt it was a little to "geriatric" for them on their last sailing. They were handed a Holland type hat during debarkation at one port and my mother put it on for a photo and many people walked by her and said "you dont know how stupid you look with that hat on". Come on folks its a cruise, relax!! They felt it was way too stuffy for them. Your kids may not enjoy that type of atmosphere. Although it was just one sailing and may not be representative of their line.

[desertminky]

My vote is for Princess! We travel as 3 generations and love it. The kids love the kids club - although maybe at 18 & 20 they are too old to enjoy it? If you are looking for a spectacular cruise line, try Azamara, but there will be no kids activities and mostly adults. Wonderful food, service and ship though.

[barryn]

Thanks for all the information and suggestions. Subject to further family discussion, I think that I'm leaning to NCL. A drawback to Princess is that I understand that they have a 21yo age requirement for using the casino, as opposed to 18 on other lines.

 

If I'm telling my daughters that they won't have the flowrider or rock climbing wall of RCL, I'm probably better off if I can offer them casino access as a consolation.